DDA fights mobile milk vendors
Nov 23, 2010
THE Dairy Development Authority (DDA) and the Police on Friday impounded over 250 containers and jerry cans containing milk in an operation aimed at maintaing the quality and safety of the raw milk sold by mobile vendors.
By Abdulkarim Ssengendo
THE Dairy Development Authority (DDA) and the Police on Friday impounded over 250 containers and jerry cans containing milk in an operation aimed at maintaing the quality and safety of the raw milk sold by mobile vendors.
Naome Rwanchwende, a dairy inspector, said the containers were impounded from milk traders transporting milk to collecting centres in Kiruhura and Lyantonde districts.
The containers were being ferried on pick-up trucks, bicycles and motorcycles.
The operation followed complaints that milk traders in the two districts were adulterating milk with water.
The traders are also accused of using non-food grade plastic containers to handle milk.
Rwanchwende noted that the vice contravened the standards law.
She said DDA was ordered by animal husbandry minister to enforce the law after getting information that farmers had refused to stop using plastic containers.
“We would like to advise the general public to always buy milk from outlets registered and licensed by the DDA.
“These outlets have cooling facilities that ensure maintenance of the cold chain.â€
Besides the quality of the milk can easily be verified and corrective measures are also possible due to guaranteed traceability, she added.
The DDA ensures quality and safety of milk and its products in Uganda.
It also registers and licenses milk traders, who have fulfilled set dairy standards and regulations and monitors the quality and safety of the milk and milk products.
It is very difficult to monitor the quality and safety of raw milk sold by mobile vendors, since they lack permanent premises and are not registered and licensed by the DDA. The milk they sell is therefore prone to adulteration and contamination and traceability is very difficult in case of quality and safety concerns.
The DDA is however doing everything possible to streamline mobile milk vendors by asking them to have their business registered and licensed. They should endeavour to fulfil the required standards so as to ensure traceability and allow corrective action concerning quality and safety of the milk.
Always report complaints regarding the quality of milk to the DDA on 0414343883 with all the details regarding the source of the milk. Complaints can also be registered at our office on Plot 1 Kafu Road, Nakasero, next to Fairway way Hotel.
THE Dairy Development Authority (DDA) and the Police on Friday impounded over 250 containers and jerry cans containing milk in an operation aimed at maintaing the quality and safety of the raw milk sold by mobile vendors.
Naome Rwanchwende, a dairy inspector, said the containers were impounded from milk traders transporting milk to collecting centres in Kiruhura and Lyantonde districts.
The containers were being ferried on pick-up trucks, bicycles and motorcycles.
The operation followed complaints that milk traders in the two districts were adulterating milk with water.
The traders are also accused of using non-food grade plastic containers to handle milk.
Rwanchwende noted that the vice contravened the standards law.
She said DDA was ordered by animal husbandry minister to enforce the law after getting information that farmers had refused to stop using plastic containers.
“We would like to advise the general public to always buy milk from outlets registered and licensed by the DDA.
“These outlets have cooling facilities that ensure maintenance of the cold chain.â€
Besides the quality of the milk can easily be verified and corrective measures are also possible due to guaranteed traceability, she added.
The DDA ensures quality and safety of milk and its products in Uganda.
It also registers and licenses milk traders, who have fulfilled set dairy standards and regulations and monitors the quality and safety of the milk and milk products.
It is very difficult to monitor the quality and safety of raw milk sold by mobile vendors, since they lack permanent premises and are not registered and licensed by the DDA. The milk they sell is therefore prone to adulteration and contamination and traceability is very difficult in case of quality and safety concerns.
The DDA is however doing everything possible to streamline mobile milk vendors by asking them to have their business registered and licensed. They should endeavour to fulfil the required standards so as to ensure traceability and allow corrective action concerning quality and safety of the milk.
Always report complaints regarding the quality of milk to the DDA on 0414343883 with all the details regarding the source of the milk. Complaints can also be registered at our office on Plot 1 Kafu Road, Nakasero, next to Fairway way Hotel.